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Jane’s Best Bets (5/11 – 5/15)

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My Awesome GenD Day Team at DVAC!

I hope you had a terrific week!  Thanks to all who “got out” and “gave back” this past Friday for Generation Dayton Day…it was a huge success!  Dayton is fortunate to have many wonderful young professionals!  This week, be sure to “get out” again, as there are many great things going on in our community!

On Wednesday, find out how trash can be turned into treasure with the exhibit, ‘Trash? Look Again’ at the Dayton Art Institute.  For some great networking, attend Business After Hours at Dayton Convention Center.  Afterwards, head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains or to Wiley’s for Dirty Little Secret Sanitarium.  If you’ve had a crazy day and need to relax a bit, make your way to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting.

On Thursday, attend the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center, featuring Gina Barreca, a best-selling author who will keep you laughing.  Over at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, attend their Gallery Talks, in which artists Maureen Schaffer and Deborah Barr will talk about their art.  While you’re there, check out the fantastic spackling/sanding/paint job my GenD Day team did there!  Meet fellow Gen D’ers (a.k.a. fantastic young professionals!) at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at The Pub at The Greene.  ALL young professionals are welcome!  Also at The Greene, if you’re hungry for some delicious food, make your way to McCormick & Schmick’s for their Benziger Wine Dinner.  At Oregon Express, you will be able to grab a beer and learn about religion as part of Dayton Theology on Tap.  While there, be sure to have some of their amazing pizza!  I had some this past weekend and it was delicious!  And finally, don’t delay in getting your tickets to watch the Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains at Fifth-Third Field.

On Friday, downtown is THE place to be, even if you call the suburbs home.  The main attraction is Urban Nights, which is a free event in which you will be able to see downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, urban living options, and MUCH more.  It only happens twice a year, so don’t miss your chance to attend this huge downtown open house!  For more info, be sure to become a fan of the “Urban Nights” fan page.  Urban Nights truly has something for everyone, so that is really my only best bet for Friday.  If you’re not there, you’re missing out…and I’m going to leave it at that!

On Saturday, all you car lovers will want to drive to the Webster Street Market for the British Car Meet (not to be confused with “meat,” although I’m sure they’ll have that too!).  Many of our dogs may have gained a few pounds over the cold/snowy winter since they haven’t been able to get out and exercise.  So, get them moving at the Furry Skurry 2011 at Miami Valley Hospital South to support the Humane Society.  If you don’t have a furry friend, you can still walk as part of the Walk Away From Violence event at RiverScape MetroPark, in which funds raised will benefit the Artemis Center, which helps to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.  At The Greene, watch the Hunks in Heels race, all the while supporting Clothes that Work.  This should be a super fun event!

Photo Credit: Andy Snow

Support Dayton Children’s Medical Center by attending Cha-Cha: Reasons to Celebrate at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center, which will feature live entertainment, fine dining, and both live and silent auctions!  You will be able to contribute to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Dayton by attending the 2nd Annual Sis-Boom-Ball at St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  All you “creatives” will want to attend The Sideshow VI at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park.  At the Dayton Convention Center, the Come to the Cabaret – DCDC’s Soulstice event will be happening, which will include a wonderful mixture of live music, casino games, dancing, and dance performances by the amazing DCDC (although it says “D.C.” twice, they are actually located in Dayton…and we are so blessed to have them!).  If you enjoy watching dance but are on a strict budget, consider attending Order My Steps at Stivers Schoool for the Arts.  At the Schuster Center, you will be able to see the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bernstein’s MASS’.  In addition, other options for Saturday include Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre, Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.

On Sunday, start the morning off with Sunday Brunch at The Barnsider…I’m hoping the lines won’t be as long since it’s not Mother’s Day!  Sunday also has several theater options, including  42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, Honk! Jr.at Town Hall Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And if you love beer, you won’t want to miss PubFest at The Pub at The Greene!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the mouse run under the beer truck?  Because he wanted to get smashed.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Maybe You Understand Me Now

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The Philosophy Behind The Dirty Little Secrets Show

May 11, 2011 Show Poster

While, at first glance, this may seem like a very self serving article, insofar as I am the creator of the variety show Dirty Little Secrets and should not write about things I have a vested interest in. I am not, however, using this as a platform to promote the next show (which is on May 11th!) because that would not only be in bad taste and self aggrandizing , but might also be viewed as potentially unethical (…at 8:00pm!). No… instead, this is an article about the impetus for creating the show, the  philosophy behind the show and the hopes of what the show will one day become.

The way in which the idea of the show was formed was of the same fashion in which I do everything: haphazardly. It came to me slowly and was just a jumbled collection of thoughts, most of which was borne out of boredom and irritation. I was getting bored with the desperate attempts that performers and venues alike were going to entertain the masses. It probably hit critical mass when I went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra and, along with 4,263 guitarists and more lasers than the Rebel Alliance, they made it snow inside the arena. While novel in many respects, it was not nearly as useful or needed as it would be, say, in July. The irony was not lost on me as I walked back to my car in the snow, wondering why they didn’t just open up a skylight or something and allow the real snow in for free…and reduce the cost of the tickets. I also was getting bored with the whole “scene” scene.

I was never one for going to a crowded club and having beer spilled on my boots as I witnessed a “Triple Bill Extravaganza Of Epic Proportions” which turned out to be three musical groups from the same genre belting out seemingly the same melodies at a tooth shattering decibel level. The comedy scene consisted of emcee, middle act, headliner and “don’t forget to tip the wait staff!” before being unceremoniously directed to the door. Then there was the entertainment world of the theatres and pavilions and centers, which, to be honest, I would never be able to afford. Even for how high profile their acts are, there is a stringently preformatted, preprocessed feel to them, taking away any sense of danger or wonderment from the event. Straying off topic for the moment…can we please have a moratorium on the obligatory encore? This whole standing up and sitting down thing is too reminiscent of Mass and is also very disingenuous. Like there would be anyone at a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert saying to themselves, “My God! I can’t believe they are going to leave without playing Freebird! Stand up! Stand up and applaud people! They may have forgotten it was on their set list!”

I began to look back in fondness at the entertainment of my youth as, growing up, I watched Shock Theater, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and community theater where there was always a real danger in someone forgetting their lines or the stage possibly collapsing (it happened in Hagerstown, Indiana during The Fiddler On The Roof when I was about eight). There are so many things that I like, that you would never be able to find them all in one place. Where could I find good music, comedy, unusual acts, dancing and other more theatrical arts? Nowhere.

At this point, I started using the Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub Facebook page as a litmus test, posting up videos of various things, gauging people’s reactions by comments and views. I would post up random stuff from the Carol Burnett Show, Carson, the Dean Martin Show, older Catskills comedians and various vaudevillian movie clips. The reaction from the subscribers dwarfed the reactions to more modern fare. Maybe there were others that were bored or didn’t like all the frenzied build up and hype that seems to go into modern entertainment. That is when I started talking to others about the idea that was forming…

Lisa Bunny Foo-Foo and Todd The Fox

This is not to make it seem like I discovered something new, like plutonium or the law of gravity or that pair of Oakley sunglasses that I set down three months ago, which were never to be seen again. The idea that I had was simply to bring all the elements that I find entertaining into one big variety show. To be totally honest, I actually spoke to people that I had hoped would take it upon themselves to bring the show to fruition. I mean, the whole purpose of this was to entertain me, which would be pretty hard to do if I actually had to work at it! Sadly, there were no takers and it came down to a put up or shut up proposition and so I took the plunge.

The date of the first show was set for February 16th and now all I had to do was find some performers and the rest was gravy. I made a few calls and booked a few acts and thought to myself, “Is that all there is to it?” Well, my subconscious, who has had some sort of vendetta out on me for years, remained silent, allowing me to blissfully walk into the nonstop whirlwind of promotions, preparations, press releases and scheduling that comes with each show. Had I known what was to go into each show…well, read on…

Our Beautiful Waitresses: Kira, Sarah and Kristina

I had booked a phenomenal jazz singer, Patricia Berg, Geborah, a modern jazz and hip-hop dancer, Henrique Couto, a…um…he’s…well, he has a mustache. He is kind of hard to describe. He’s like what would happen if the spirits of Tiny Tim and Sam Kinison  possessed the body of Weird Al Yankovic and then coerced him to have sex with Judy Tenuta…Henrique would be the spawn of such a union. I also had a comedy troupe from Cincinnati that was supposed to be there, but they bailed at the last minute. I called Jay Madewell, who is a local musician and who was also playing drums that night for Henrique. Madewell suggested that I call Todd the Fox, who, as luck would have it, was available that evening. One of the other essential facets of the show was the selection of the waitresses. I knew I wanted unique, friendly waitresses and I thought it would be neat for them to be able to dress in retro or pin-up clothing. I wanted the waitresses to be the very beautiful face of the show, and model Sarah Walls, dance instructor Kira LaFave and the very versatile Kristina Savage have gone way beyond my expectations. If anything, they are not only the face of the show; they are the heart of the show.

Our Beautiful Waitresses: Lily, Sarah, Kira and Kristina.

Aside from a few technical glitches (don’t trust me around a CD player) the evening went beautifully…and this is where all of the time I had invested in running around, making phone calls and the ensuing chaos was made worthwhile. When the emcee, Vincent Holiday, said, “Goodnight!” and the lights came up…no one left. No one left and there was this energy…people were excited. The performers wanted to talk to the audience and the audience wanted to talk to the artists and to each other. Some of the musicians were taken aback because they were not used to performing in front of a “listening” audience and they had to scale back the act that they were used to performing in front of a rowdy bar crowd. The audience was exposed to forms of music and dance and comedy that they may never would have experienced before because they were usually performed at venues that they may not frequent. The performers were influenced by other performers that they, in turn, may never have shared a stage with. That is when I knew that this was right.

Over the course of several shows, we have had fantastic rock, ballad, R&B, soul and jazz singers, accomplished guitarists, drummers, saxophonists and other sundry musicians. We have had belly dancing, shadowbox dancing and other various forms of dance as well as sideshow performers, comedians and poets. Each show has unintentionally taken on it’s own hue and flavor, dictating for itself what the other acts should be, how it should be promoted and any other special features. For instance, the last show featured shadow dancers, a spoken word artist, a belly dancer, an R&B singer, an improv comedy troupe and Al Holbrook, who is a phenomenal soul/R&B singer and keyboardist. In contrast, the upcoming show will have legendary musician/comedian Dow Thomas, Kaleb Kane and Reverend Tommy Gunn from Hollywood’s FreakShow Deluxe, the lucha surf band Team Void and, rounding out the weirdness, hosts and emcees, A. Ghastlee Ghoul and Baron Von Porkchop, whose Tales of the Macabre television show has marched on in the footsteps of Dr. Creep. The next show will have…hell, I have no clue what the next show will have. It could have zydeco musicians paired up with juggling baboons for all I know…and that’s really the point.

Shadowbox Dancer and Al Holbrook

In an age of homogenized, prepackaged consumables (entertainment included) I think there should still be a danger there. I think that the audience should be should be able to come in to a theatrical setting and be surprised instead of entering with a head full of preconceived notions. I think that everyone who witnesses one of these shows should have a niggling feeling at the base of their skull telling them that, at any moment, all of this could go horribly wrong as it is all done without a net. I think that, when the show is over, the audience and the artists should be able to walk away with swirling images of the moments of unexpected brilliance that that they had witnessed, like when Todd The Fox and Lisa Bunny Foo-Foo took to the stage with a guitar, a suitcase and a washboard and tore the house down. This is all just proving that there is more out there on the desperate horizons of our everyday life that can still not only entertain and audience, but can make that audience feel as if they are part of the show as well, taking them out of the role of voyeur and allowing them to see through that fourth wall, sharing the symbiotic energy with the artists.

In essence, the overall philosophy of the show is this: to create a community. A community between the artists that grace the stage. A community of audience members that find kindred souls with similar interests and, most of all an all encompassing community of everyone involved. Of course, I would like to have a larger audience (which is slightly difficult since the shows are held on Wednesdays) and this is not so I can line my own pockets with more money. I want to be able to pay the performers what they are more than worth. I’d like to give bonuses to the waitresses and be able to create props and such for the show itself, to make it better for the audience. I would also like a larger audience because I feel that the performers I have had deserve a larger audience, and one that is there to take in the experience, not to pound back brew with background music. Maybe I’m just too naively idealistic, but all of this has opened my eyes to the creativity that exists in Dayton and I would love to draw all that creative energy into one place… then it will be a Dirty Little Secret no more…

Click for video

Video of the February 16th Show

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Video of the March 16th Show

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Video of the March 23rd Show

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Video of the April 27th Show

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 05/05 – 05/18

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Evil Dead The Musical at CATCO, ColumbusThursday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Zombies, the eighties, AND a musical? Today, I started my job as Assistant Stage Manager for a production of Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO in Columbus, and I was reminded of something I love about theatre. One of the most powerful things about the arts is the wide variety of people to which they can appeal. Plays can include things you’d never have imagined… There literally is a show out there for everyone, even zombie lovers! I think that ability to speak to or entertain so many people through the same art form is one of the things I love most about theatre, and also our Dayton theatre in particular. There is often a wide variety of shows up, and these next two weeks are no exception, with selections from hip hop to drama. So, no matter your tastes, go see one of these great shows!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

La Cage aux Folles at Dayton PlayhouseLa Cage aux Folles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: George (a glitzy nightclub owner) and his partner Albin (also the glamorous chanteuse Zaza)’s son is getting married… and in this musical, he brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair. “The bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly [in this] tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Playhouse

A Piece of My Heart at Playhouse SouthA Piece of My Heart

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: “Based on true stories recounted in the book of the same name, A Piece of My Heart
follows six women as they relive their memories of serving in Vietnam during the
1960s. These unsung heroes were among several thousand American women who
volunteered during the Vietnam War, serving as nurses, civilian humanitarian workers
and entertainers under frustrating and harrowing conditions.” (PHS)
Dates: May 13 – 21, 2011
Tickets & More Information: 888-262-3792 or Playhouse South

Honk! at Town Hall TheatreHonk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE

The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT) The entire family will love this musical adaptation of the classic story of the ugly duckling.
Dates: May 6 – 22, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Town Hall Theatre

Mauritius at Dayton Theatre GuildMauritius

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Only together after the death of their mother, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare – and potentially extremely valuable – stamps. One sister embraces the stamp collecting, the other resists – but both are targets of three seedy, high-stakes collectors who are willing to do anything to claim a particularly rare find as their own.
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Illstyle and Peace at Springfield Arts CouncilIllstyle and Peace

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this admission-free performance, the muticultural dance company Illstyle and Peace fuses the moves and spirit of contemporary and old-school hip-hop with an eclectic mix of dance, while spreading unity, peace, love, and respect through dance.

Date: Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 pm

More Information: Springfield Arts Council

Mid-Day Arts Cafe at Victoria Theatre AssociationMid-Day Arts Cafe: the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith. Enjoy a preview performance and a great box lunch from CitiLites during this education series.

Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. – Noon; Performance: Noon – 1 p.m.

More Information: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, 2010-2011 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Classical Series

~KN

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith.

30 Days Positive – In Closing

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I thought long and hard about to close this series. I’m not sure that any amount of words could really capture what I have learned over the last month and I don’t think this journey to raise awareness is even near completion.  The experience has taught me that letting go of fear sometimes puts you in a remarkable position to help people.  Being active in your local community and aware of the issues and causes around the world keeps you in touch with where help is needed…and I never really understood the amount of help truly needed until I let go of my fear in trying to understand the disease.

The goal of this series was to raise awareness through my experiences in learning about the AIDS/HIV virus. I remember growing up and it being a buzz topic, all over the news and media..people were just trying to understand the magnitude of the disease and as I child that couldn’t possibly understand.  Time has passed and it’s not something ever really discussed in my circle and by those around me and I started to really wonder, had we forgotten about AIDS?

The stories below capture only some of the stories shared with me. There were many conversations and meetings that I have been asked to leave out of the series due to confidentiality concerns. I respect those wishes and still offer gratitude to all who came forward, it took courage to do so. If ever there is a need or want to reach out again, I encourage that you reach out to me to share your story.  In hearing them,  I have put to rest a lot of my own misconceptions and in sharing I have done the same for others.

On a personal note,  I would like to again thank Lisa Grigsby and her staff at ARC and for the great people sharing things to do in Dayton at Daytonmostmetro.com for allowing me to steer away from my normal column material and work on this series. I will continue to share and connect people to resources on Facebook.  Thank you again to all who helped in to spread the word about this series and AIDS.

The Stories

Are We Awake Yet?

This week I had an opportunity to investigate AIDS “now” on more of a global level.  An estimated 40,000 children in South Africa are infected with HIV each year reflecting an impoverished region lacking in both awareness and prevention. 40,000 Children…and the number of premature deaths due to HIV/AIDS has risen significantly over the last decade from 39 percent to 75 percent in 2010 in South Africa. It is estimated there are 1.9 million AIDS orphans where one or both parents are deceased in South Africa and that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is responsible for half of the country’s orphans.  Read More

A Love Story

Have you ever considered that many contract the HIV virus on accident, through no fault of their own? It is something I personally never really thought about until recently, that there are people out there who are responsible and take precautions but still can be exposed and infected. Both tragic and somewhat scary to think about, I sat down this week with a person who had that very thing happen. Read More

Tested – A Moment of Clarity

With cold, clammy hands and a lump in my throat I dialed from the lobby phone at ARC, Dayton OH – “I’m here to be tested.”  I’m 32 years old, why was this my first time here?  Getting tested for the HIV virus is something I had thought about many times but actually doing it has been something that frightened me and for one reason alone.  Doing so would force me to face the reality of some poor decision making and uncover and bring to light, my internal and self confidence issues that ultimately lead to making those decisions.  Read More

A Journey Towards Change

Last week I dropped a hint that I had been working on a story and this week I have a little more to tell. This isn’t about dating, my life of chaos or anything most who know me would expect me to write about.  What I am about to embark on will challenge me emotionally and force me to face a fear that I admittedly have had for my entire life and am not proud of. Read More

How You Can Help.

AIDS.gov

Avert

ACT:s

ARC

WE>AIDS

30 Days Positive – Follow the Journey

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Fleurs Et Vin

Jane’s Best Bets (5/4 – 5/8)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Since it is May, you may be asking the question, “Is there anything fun going on this week in Dayton?”  The answer of course is an enormous “YES!”  This week, there are so many things from which to choose that you may have some very difficult decisions ahead of you!

On Wednesday, join Dayton Creative Syndicate as they welcome Guest Speaker, Jack Supple at Brixx Ice Company.  Taste some wine as part of the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery.  Not yet prepared to make your bets for the Kentucky Derby?  Be sure to attend the Derby Preview Party at Color of Energy Gallery where John Engelhardt from River Downs and other horse racing experts will give you some great tips…and don’t forget to have a mint julep!  Plus, there will be a live horse outside the art gallery AND live music!  Afterwards, please carefully walk to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.  And finally, give those vocal folds a workout by heading to Blind Bob’s for Karaoke.

On jueves (Thursday), start the day at the Presidential Banquet Center for the 2nd Annual Voices for Kids Benefit, which helps CHOICES, an organization that provides a support system for youth, their families, and foster parents.  Over at Sinclair, attend the 2011 Go Red For Women Luncheon.  Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at one of these great restaurants:  (1) The Caroline, which offers some great Cinco de Mayo specials; (2) El Meson – starting at 3PM, they will have $1 Tequila shots and free tapas until 5:30PM…plus amazing food, music, and dancing; or (3) El Rancho Grande (or the “E.R.” as my friend Lynne calls it) for 1/2 Price Ladies Night.  Or Join the Dayton Ballet Barre for their 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo ‘Barre’ Crawl which will take place at a variety of bars in the Oregon District.  If Mexican food does not appeal to your taste buds, no problem.  You can attend the Beer & Burger Tasting at A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg.  Some other possibilities for Thursday evening include listening to the Hal Melia Quartet as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute, Space Night at the Air Force Museum, Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express, or watching the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.

On Friday, ALL young professionals should without a doubt participate in Generation Dayton’s Get Out, & Give Back Dayton! The day will consist of a lunch, followed by a variety of service projects at area non-profits, and finally a wonderful after-party at Oregon Express!  Get registered today and bring a friend!  Afterwards, attend the First Friday art hop downtown.  Also downtown, you can participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, watch the Dragons play the South Bend Silver Hawks, listen to the Paul McKenna Band at the Dayton Art Institute, or attend ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’ (Dayton Philharmonic) at the Schuster Center (click here to find out how you can get discounted tickets, courtesy of jumpstART!).  And if you’re brave enough to venture outside of downtown, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for a Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich from 4-7PM, the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz, or the Centerville Performing Arts Center for Hello, Dolly!

Hopefully you spent your Friday night downtown so you can wake up and gallop your way to the Derby Day Dash 5K and Kids Fun Run at RiverScape.  Then head to PNC 2nd Street Market to Make Your Own Crepe.  Over at Garden Station Community Garden/Art Park, share your food, art, music, or whatever else you want as part of the Really Really Free Market.  Wear your favorite hat (the bigger, the better!) and support women’s wellness by attending the 2nd Annual Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch at Brio.  I hope to see you there!  Keep that hat on so that you will be able to attend the Junior League of Dayton Derby Party at The Wine Loft.  In order to support a couple other great causes, attend the House of Bread Silent Auction at the Dayton Mall Holiday Inn or the American Red Cross’s Putting on the Glitz event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.  If your doctor wrote you a prescription for laughter, be sure to get your tickets to Cocktails with Larry Miller at Victoria Theatre.  Although I’m not an accountant, I don’t think this would qualify as a medical expense under your H.S.A.  Listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance – ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’, which takes place at the Schuster Center.  Other musical options include listening to the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert at Shiloh Church or the The Primo Trio at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series.  Catch “Saturday Night Football” at Hara Arena as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Indianapolis Enforcers.  And finally, if you feel like catching a show, both The Wizard of Oz (Baum Opera House) and Hello, Dolly (Centerville Performing Arts Center) will still be running strong!

On Sunday, if you do nothing else, be sure to honor your mother!  If you don’t mind (and if you do mind, sorry, I just don’t care), I’d like to give a quick shout out to mine – Thank you mom for being the best mom ever…and thank you for not just putting up with my dumb jokes, but actually laughing at them!  I love you bunches and bunches! Thanks for letting me do that, although you really had no choice.  Anyways, whatever you’re doing, I hope you will be able to have the opportunity to spend Sunday with your mother.  And don’t worry because you won’t have to cook breakfast or lunch, as many restaurants are offering Mother’s Day Specials!  Some places that are offering brunch include The Barnsider, Hilton Garden Inn, Carvers, Blind Bob’s, Boulevard Haus, Dublin Pub, and Fleming’s.  Don’t forget to take your wallet…it would be bad news if your mom had to pay!  And if your mom likes music, take her to Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert.  Or take her to see Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why was the racehorse named Bad News?  Because Bad News travels fast.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Get Out & Give Back Dayton!

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Every year, Generation Dayton (the young professional arm of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce) celebrates their anniversary not by receiving gifts, but by giving the gifts of their time and talent to the community in the form of a major volunteer effort. This year, the effort is bigger than ever, and GenD is inviting ALL area young professionals to join them. You don’t have to be a Generation Dayton member to have a great time, enjoy lunch and spend a few hours making a difference in the community. It’s THIS Friday – RSVP now. More info on their Facebook event page.

So, that’s the “news,” here’s my opinion:

This is a fun way to meet some new people in an active setting where you’re making a tangible difference in the region. For anyone who feels out of place at “typical” networking events, this is a great opportunity to talk to some people, but busy yourself with the volunteering aspect when you run out of things to say.  There’s lots of positive downtown vibes on the rise: recent news stories, new businesses, cool entertainment options popping up, the Activated Spaces team, and Urban Nights next week mean that there’s lots of buzz. This is a cool way for YPs to see it first hand; whether you’re a downtown advocate or a skeptic, you can be part of the solution. The GenD focus on downtown is a cool reminder that regardless of where YPs want to live, the urban core is important to us all. The partnership with RTA is an extra cool aspect. C’mon – do you really think the bus is THAT scary? Wouldn’t it be cool to ride free for a week and decide yourself if it’s convenient or not?

I want to hear more opinions. Has anyone been to this before (previously called “Generation Dayton Day)? If so – leave comments about what you thought below.

RSVP is required! Send your RSVP to LaDonna Wulfeck at [email protected]

Details from their Web site:

This Generation Dayton Day, in celebration of our organization’s 6th anniversary, we’re inviting our community to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” With additional support from our sponsor, Heidelberg Distributing Co., we’re putting a special focus on cleaning up and sprucing up our urban core! The new focus allows those with an interest in downtown development to roll up their sleeves and give back while aligning with a long-term group project known as Activated Spaces that seeks to bring vibrancy to now vacant storefronts.  We’ll still visit local non-profits, as usual, too. There will be a little bit of something for everyone!

A 2011 BONUS: all volunteers may sign up for a 7 day transit pass from RTA, as providing our valuable feedback is an additional volunteer component of the event, and teams leaving downtown can ride together. RTA will provide each team with a round trip travel schedule, but if you want to ride the bus from work or home, you can receive further travel planning assistance by calling the customer service line.

Schedule of Events:

12 p.m. Meet for complimentary lunch at The Excelsior Building (207 E. 6th Street)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Give back to the community at assigned location

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Celebrate shared experiences and accomplishments at location TBD

Available Project Sites: (Numbers in parenthesis = maximum volunteer spots available for each location)

Artemis Center (5), Cannery Art & Design Center (7), Catholic Social Services (10), Community Blood Center (8), Cooper Park (20), Crayons to Classrooms (6), Dayton Visual Arts Center (4), Downtown Dayton Curb Appeal (Various Projects), Downtown Dayton Partnership (6), Garden Station (8), Grace/YMCA childcare (6), House of Bread (10), Ronald McDonald House (10), United Rehabilitation Services (10), We Care Arts (4), Wesley Community Center (6), The Victory Project (6), YWCA (10)

To sign up to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” on Generation Dayton Day or for more information contact LaDonna Wulfeck, Generation Dayton’s program manager, by email to [email protected] or call (937) 226-8264.

Hats & Horses – Derby Doings in Dayton

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Every year as May roles around there is  a lot of talk about the Kentucky Derby.  Recipes start floating around for the quintessential Mint Julep or Derby Pie.  Women start discussing hats- and this year the talk was kick-started early due to the Royal Wedding. Heck, I even know the difference between a downbrim and a Fascinator, something my grandmother would have been so proud of, if she were still here.  People that never seem to care about horse racing suddenly talk handicapping. Last year I enjoyed the Derby Day Brunch at Brio, but never even saw the race.  This year something got into me and I’ve decided to make the trek down to  Churchill Downs.  So if you want to get caught up in all the hoopla,  here are some great events to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports.

Color of Energy hosts  a Derby Day Preview Party
Wed, May 4th 6:30pm

Kicking off  “And Their Off,” a horseracing photographic exhibit by John Engelhardt, A Color of Energy gets you ready for The Derby . John is a longtime employee of River Downs in Cincinnati and a resident of Oakwood.  He has a great collection of horseracing scenes that tie in with the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Color of Energy gallery will be hosting along with Judge Dan Gehres and Tom Archdeacon.  The party will feature Engelhardts photos, Ed Meyer a professional handicapper from Kentucky gives his derby predictions and a live throughbred race horse will be outside!!  It wouldn’t be a true Dereby party without the singing of Run for the Roses & My Old Kenutcky Home and Dale Walton will be on hand to do that!  Sidebar will be serving Hotbrowns and Derby pie and providing a cash bar. Original jockey silks will decorate the day and this will be a great forum for Derby stories, history and a preview to what promises to be a great event.

13th Annual Derby Day Dash 5K and Youth Fun Runs
Sat May 7th 8am – 11am

Start the day off by participating in The Derby Day Dash, a charitable fun run that benefits Life Essentials, an organization that helps people who slip through gaps in community services. The day is family friendly and consists of a 5K run/walk, a Tot Trot for ages 3-5, a Kids Canter for the 6-8 year olds and the Guys & Girls Gallop for ages 9-10.   All events start and finish at Fifth Third Plaza in downtown Dayton.  The first 75 registered children between the ages of 6 and 10 will be fitted for a free safety helmet.  All children registered will receive a free ticket to the Beach Watherpark.
There are also team contests with prizes for the largest team, best team name and as appropriate for the day, a hat contest.  Don’t worry, a hat check will be provided for racers, as no hats are to be worn during the race. After the races their will also be drawing for door prizes.  For more information call 586-0545 or email

The second annual Crown Jewels™ of Dayton Derby Day Brunch Sat, May 7th 10am – 1pm

The event generously hosted by Brio at The Greene includes a buffet brunch and in true Derby-style, mint juleps. Other activities will include a “Hat Strut” by our guests, a silent auction and roaming models from merchants at The Greene. Guests will also get their picture taken by the official Derby Day photographer and everyone will receive a Run for the Pink Roses commemorative glass.

All proceeds from this Crown Jewel’s™ event go to further the work of the Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Fund. The fund provides free screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and prostheses to uninsured women (and men) in our community. It also provides education on breast cancer and other women’s health issues through the Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library located at the Kettering Breast Evaluation Center. Procedures may be scheduled at any accepting mammography facility in the area (not just a KMC affiliate) and the Women’s Wellness Fund will cover the cost. To date over 8000 people have been able to use this life saving service.  Tickets for the Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch are $40.  Many of the calendar models are selling tickets for this even or you can call Tina at 937-259-7927 to order your tickets.

JLD Derby Party
Sat, May 7, 4-8pm

The Junior League of Dayton invites you to put on your Derby hat and sip Mint Juleps while you watch the most exciting tow minutes in sports with them as they host a watch party at The Wine Loft at The Greene.  Tickets run $30 for members and spouses, and $35 for non-members.  Tickets include 2 drink tickets and a spread that will include Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese Toasts, Mint Julep Lamp Chops, Shrimp & Cheese Grits and Thourghbread Pie.  You can purchase tickets online or by mailing check to the Junior League of Dayton Office. Ticket Purchase Deadline is Friday, May 6th at Noon.

The “Golden Child” Gets the Golden Ticket: Idol Dreams Becoming a Reality

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Could you imagine in your wildest dreams that every singing lesson you took, choir you sang in, musical you performed in, and talent show you placed in could lead up to one of the biggest moments of your life? For one local young man, his wildest dreams may be becoming a reality.

Michael Anthony Disney's Hollywood American Idol Experience Winner

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of past American Idol greats such as Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, and Jordin Sparks, is a 15-year- old Dayton prodigy Michael Anthony of Miami Valley High School.  Michael has earned himself the Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ American Idol Experience Golden Ticket that could make the ambitious teen’s vocalist dreams come true.

Michael, who is also involved in theatre and choir at his high school, began expressing his talent as an infant, when he would hum Barney tunes in front of the television. At the tender age of 8 months, Michael’s mother, Miracle Monette Troutman, knew her son had something special from the very beginning, hence the name “Golden Child.”

Miracle said, “Not even in my wildest dreams, would I have been able to imagine that my son could be an audition away, from possibly becoming the next American Idol. No matter what happens, I am so proud of him. Michael receiving the Golden Ticket was a huge accomplishment in itself.”

Michael was able to win over the judges with his R&B, Pop and Acoustic musical sound, at the American Idol Experience audition in Florida; which landed him a Golden Ticket to audition for any upcoming season of the American Idol. Michael’s mature polished sound and remarkable vocal range is what will make him a contender for a top spot on Idol.

A major incentive for Michael winning the American Idol Golden Ticket is he gets front of the line access for an audition, which will guarantee him the opportunity to sing his heart out in front of the star studded American Idol judges.

Michael jokingly stated, “I hope my audition does not end up in the blooper section!”

Michael plans on auditioning this summer for his chance at stardom and would like to audition closer to home [i.e. Chicago] for the 2012 season of American Idol.

Michael added, “There was a man from last season [2010] that had the same golden ticket as I have and he made it to the top five. This is very encouraging to me and I can’t wait to give it my all.”

Michael is motivated and believes his chances at making it to Hollywood are great.

In order for the “Golden Child” to receive the American Idol Experience Golden Ticket, he had to beat out the competition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ in Orlando, Florida. Michael was then voted by an audience of his peers and onlookers as the winner by interactive key pad for the chance to sing his heart out for all of America.

Michael Canada may still be a kid, but the competition was not based on his age; rather, his talent and ability to wow the judges and prove that he deserved to go on to the next round.  Michael stated, “I competed against people in their forties and was not even old enough to cash in my American Idol Golden Ticket at the time, you have to be at least fifteen to go on the show. Going up against adults and stiff competition was intimidating, but I gave it my best. I am so happy I won.”

Michael’s own personal idols are Sidney Poitier, Michael Jackson, Will Smith and his mentor Quentin Darrington [Broadway Musical Actor].

Canada is not only a singing sensation but also a scholar, obtaining a 3.8 Grade Point Average in his Honors courses at the Miami Valley School and attributes his scholastic success to super supportive mother.

Michael quoted, “Momma don’t play that!” referring to Miracle’s stern, but loving approach when it comes to his scholastic success.

Miracle stated, “The money put towards Michael’s education is well worth it, because he is such a good smart kid.”

, Mitchelle and Christian [Brothers]”]Michael is much like any other 15-year-old who likes to hang out with friends and participate in extracurricular activities at his school. When Michael is not somewhere performing or developing his musical talents, he enjoys being a big brother to his two younger siblings 11 year old Mitchell Canada, who plays quarterback for Trotwood Madison Middle School and five year old Christian Troutman, who loves playing video games.  Michael also enjoys reading, acting and spending quiet time alone when he is able to.

Michael quoted, “I am a pretty easy going guy. I like to just chill by myself at home and read.”

Michael and his mother Miracle both had strong closing statements to share with the public. Miracle stated, “Don’t give up on your kids, be active in their lives. Your children can be your destiny. What I was not able to become, I know my sons would be.”

Michael added, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Stay humble and just go for it [your dreams].”

Jane’s Best Bets (4/27 – 5/1)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I hope you were able to find many Easter eggs, and that they had some good things inside!  I just found a bunch of empty ones (true story, just ask the Easter Bunny).  Regardless of what was in or not in your Easter eggs, I’d like to provide you with an “inside” look at what is going on in Dayton this week!

On Wednesday, watch the Dragons as they play the West Michigan Whitecaps.  If you enjoy opera, make your way to the UD Opera Workshop Performance.  Get those dirty little secrets out of the closet at Wiley’s with the Dirty Little Secret Speakeasy.  Don’t worry, it’s a variety show featuring many different types of performers, so you really don’t have to reveal anything about yourself!  Hungry AND thirsty?  Participate in the Belgian & Euro Craft Beer Dinner at Spinoza’s.  At the Loft Theatre, catch Permanent Collection.  And finally, make sure you stop at Baskin Robbins for their 31 Cent Scoop Night!  For those of you who don’t like to do math, that means date night will only cost you 62 cents…or, ice cream for a family four will only cost $1.24!

On Thursday, have a Girls Night Out at The Melting Pot.  If you’re a boy, then don’t go there…well, on second thought, you may want to go since there will be a pretty good ratio for you!  Since the weather is getting warmer, you may want to attend Five Rivers MetroParks’ Intro to Smart Cycling.  Head to Oregon Express for a wonderful combination of beer and theology (and their amazing pizza too!) for Dayton Theology on Tap.  If you don’t feel like cooking dinner, head to the Dayton Canoe Club for their Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser.  At the Dayton Art Institute, you can listen to the sounds of the DPO Concertmaster & Friends.  Permanent Collection, although not permanent, will still be playing at The Loft Theatre.  And over at Fifth Third Field, see some Dragons and “Tin Men,” as the Dragons play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Friday, get up bright and early and head to The Pub for a Royal Wedding Brunch.  If you love horse racing and beer, you won’t want to miss The Kentucky Ale Trail: Horses & Hops, which will start at Jungle Jim’s.  I just found out that another specialty grocery store, Trader Joe’s, discontinued one of my favorite items (salmon and spinach crepes), so I would be very much interested in going to the Kids Crepe Making Demo which will be going on at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Bid on some wonderful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art at the DVAC Annual Art Auction.  If you’re out in the Oregon District, head to Oregon Express for Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas and Old Skool Acoustic Duo…featuring cover tunes by some great artists including Journey!  Or make a stop at the Trolley Stop to listen to The Eric Jerardi Band.  Some other musical options include Encore Theatre Company’s BIG fat CONCERT SERIES, vol. II – ‘I Feel So Much Spring’ and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensembles.  Wear your green and take the kids to watch the Dragons vs. Fort Wayne Tincaps…which is also McDonald’s Friends & Family Night.  At the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club, you will be able to celebrate Spring Bierfest.  And finally, some Friday theater options include Centerville’s Hello, Dolly!, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Wizard of Oz at Baum Opera House, and Zoot Theatre Company’s Phantom Tollbooth at the Schuster Center.

On the last day in April (Saturday), learn Smart Cycling Basics at Five Rivers MetroParks’ St. Clair Building or participate in the 5k Run for the Health of It at Archers Tavern.  Avid readers will want to attend the Dayton Book Expo 2011 at Sinclair.  Head to South Park to see some beautiful homes for their Historic South Park Spring Home Tour.  Some art options include Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art at the Dayton Art Institute and the Free Artist Workshop at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.  Any Germans out there?  If so, make plans to attend the Spring Concert, followed by the Westphaelische Beef Rouladen Dinner (I’m part German but I have no clue how to say that) at the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club.  If you haven’t yet, consider getting tickets to one of the many shows going on:  Phantom Tollbooth at the Schuster Center, The Wizard of Oz at Baum Opera House, Hello, Dolly! at Centerville Performing Arts Center, Gem City Ballet Victoria Theatre Gala (at Victoria Theatre), ETC’s BIG fat CONCERT SERIES, vol. II – ‘I Feel So Much Spring’ at Color of Energy Gallery, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, or The Apple Tree at Stivers School for the Arts.  And if the weather is nice, you’ll be able to catch the Dragons as they play the Fort Wayne Tincaps at Fifth Third Field.

On Sunday, get off the couch and participate in the Kettering Medical Center Walk for Women’s Wellness at Carillon Historical Park.  At the Dayton Masonic Center, attend the Graeter’s Symphony Sundaes Series: The Symphonic Sibelius…complete with ice cream from Graeter’s.  Now how great is that?!?!  At the University of Dayton, attend the Art of Foreseen Beauty – DCDC2’s Spring Concert.  If you can, I encourage you to attend in order to witness some of the most remarkable dancing out there!  If opera is your thing, catch some up-and-comers at the Opera Guild of Dayton Tri-State College Vocal Competition in Kettering.  And if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to do so, luckily the show Permanent Collection seems to be a permanent fixture (this week only) at The Loft Theatre.  Or spend part of the day with Dorothy and Toto (I do love the song “Africa”) at the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Three skunks went to church.  The priest made them sit in their own pew.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Blackbird

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Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Dayton Theatre Guild is set to present Blackbird by Scottish playwright David Harrower as a season extra offering, opening Friday evening.  The only opportunity to catch this intense psychological drama will be this weekend, April 22 – 24 at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Avenue, in Dayton’s historic Oregon Arts District.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

David Harrower

The bold award-winning play promises to be a thought-provoking, though potentially uncomfortable, evening for theatregoers.  The play was commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival, where it received its world premiere in 2005.  In the years to follow, Blackbird was honored with a “Best New Play” award from both The Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland and The Lawrence Olivier Award.

Dramatists Play Service synopsizes the play as follows:

Two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. Ray is confronted with his past when Una arrives unannounced at his office. Guilt, rage and raw emotions run high as they recollect their relationship when she was twelve and he was forty. Without any moral judgments, the play never shies away from the brutal shattering truth of the abandoned and unconventional love. Ray, fifty-six, after years in prison and subsequent hardships, has a new identity and has made a new life for himself, thinking that he could no longer be found. Una, twenty-seven, has thought of nothing else, and on finding a photo of him, sets out to find Ray. She is looking for answers not vengeance. Nevertheless, the consequences are shattering.

While the sexual themes of the show, particularly the ages of the two involved, may be difficult for many to handle for a holiday weekend’s entertainment, the play’s history, reviews and the fervor with which the cast worked to bring it to a Dayton stage indicate that the provocative 70-minute drama is well worth an evening of your time.

“The gifted David Harrower’s intense BLACKBIRD promises to be the most powerful drama of the season…masterly, mesmerizing…extraordinary…a miracle.” ~NY Times

“…an intense psychodrama that won’t let your mind wander even though there are times this story makes you wish you could switch channels.” ~Curtain Up

The play, which unfolds in real-time, ruthlessly examines the complicated history and bond between a man and a woman as they struggle through a deep exploration into what happened and why it happened, and what it all means now.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

Heather Atkinson (L) and K.L. Storer (R) in Blackbird

The cast includes Heather Atkinson, last seen at the Guild in The Cashier and K.L. Storer, who appeared in last season’s A Case of Libel.  The play is directed by Natasha Randall.

This play contains harshly explicit sexual language, mature themes and subject matter.

-SA/DTG Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Dayton Theatre GuildDavid Harrower’s BLACKBIRD – April 22-24 – (8pm on Friday & Saturday / 3pm on Sunday)

Tickets Prices: $10 student / $15 senior / $17 adult

Location:  Dayton Theatre Guild at The Caryl D. Philip’s TheatreScape – 430 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio  45410 (MAP)

Contains adult situations and language.

Tickets are on sale now through DTG’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 278-5993 (due to a volunteer staff, phones are not monitored continually).

For more information about Dayton Theatre Guild’s entire 2010-2011 season, visit www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

30 Days Positive – Children Caring for Children

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The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity — between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?”
— Kofi Annan – 2001

Are We Awake Yet?

This week I had an opportunity to investigate AIDS “now” on more of a global level.  An estimated 40,000 children in South Africa are infected with HIV each year reflecting an impoverished region lacking in both awareness and prevention. 40,000 Children…and the number of premature deaths due to HIV/AIDS has risen significantly over the last decade from 39 percent to 75 percent in 2010 in South Africa. It is estimated there are 1.9 million AIDS orphans where one or both parents are deceased in South Africa and that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is responsible for half of the country’s orphans.

Left Behind.

In some cases orphaned, often HIV infected, children are cared for by institutions but with an overwhelming amount of children and lack of resources it is seemingly impossible to help them all, let alone stop the cycle from continuing.

This week I met with Felito Utuie,  who is here in Dayton, OH visiting from Mozambique.  At 29 years old, he has spent a majority of his life focused on outreach and missions to improve the quality of life for 1000s of people.  Felito, explained the devastating numbers of children who are left with no one to care for them because of  the still growing AIDS epidemic. His regions lack of educational resources forces many fathers to leave their families for work in other cities because they don’t have adequate training, being gone for years at time. He describes, infidelity as being fairly common and husbands succumbing to temptation from prostitutes while being away from their wives for long periods of time. This has lead to the rise of infection being spread and when they return to their villages, so does the HIV virus; infecting their wives and increasing mother-to-child infection.  This cycle has lead to some over 380,000 orphans in Gaza, a region where Felito has ventured upon his next outreach. One of which, he believes will have a remarkable impact.

“Children caring of children” is how Felito explained the devastating numbers of those with no one to care for them. We know that the loss of a parent  has an immense emotional impact on child but to be without any else to care for them once their gone is a far worse tragedy. An estimated 70 percent of those orphaned are the result of losing their parent to the AIDS virus in South Africa.

A New Village

I felt chills listening to the stories and watching Felito as he talked about his journey and how for most of his life his path has been to help others.  I referred to his vision as being a new village as he laid out the blueprints of what he was planning because calling it an orphanage really does it no justice.  A center of stability, education, empowerment and most importantly one which will provide the family dynamic these children so desperately need is what Felito is getting ready to create.  While his focus is to help with the short term needs of the orphans the home will be residence to,  he has also considered heavily what he can do to stop the cycle by working with adults and caretakers as well as educating the young.

I asked Felito for a ballpark figure of the costs associated with his plan thinking he was going to have to raise some unfathomable amount and was floored when he said, ” Only $50,000 to build the orphanage.” Individual homes for both the children and their caretakers, recreational programs, education and career centers, land for farming  and livestock  are among several other offerings including health and wellness all on 73 Acres of Lands will cost $2 million to complete however which he will rely on donation partly for.

Despite awareness campaigns, accurate knowledge about HIV and AIDS is still poor amongst the people and children Felito has come across on his missions and he would also like to focus more on educating on prevention. I had to sit back and take a breath because I couldn’t really put my hands around one person taking on such mission, but he his and I was in awe.

I asked about  government barriers and if there were anything hindering him from moving forward. Felito described his efforts as being met with little resistance but that most officials (Chiefs) wanted something for themselves in return for “allowing his efforts which was of no real surprise to him or myself.  Politics are the same no matter what side of the world you are on.

Could one person really be so selfless to embark on such a journey? The answer was clearly yes, but Felito also explained his personal connection to the AIDS virus. Having a brother who had died from the disease, Felito understood first hand the devasting affects the disease has on both the infected and their loved ones.  Healthcare and AIDS resources in South African Countries are substantially different then that of other countries, though minimal improvements have been made. It is evident that awareness and prevention are measurable efforts that these countries will rely on more in years to come.

More on AIDS and South Africa

While AIDS continues to be a global concern, almost all those living with HIV (97%) reside in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa approximately 22.4 million people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people living with HIV or at risk for HIV do not have access to prevention, care, and treatment in these countries affected. South Africa’s HIV and AIDS epidemic has had a devastating effect on children in a number of ways. There were an estimated 330,000 under 15 years old living with HIV in 2009. Other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and economic instability plague these regions and though an astounding amount of funds and programs have been given to create new programs for awareness and prevention, the fight still continues.

How You Can Help.

AIDS.gov

Avert

ACT:s

ARC

WE>AIDS

30 Days Positive – Follow the Journey

I commend Felito on his efforts and I am honored to have had the chance to sit down with him. I am once again reminded of the magnitude of  AIDS and how it is affecting the world around me. I look forward to following him on his journey, our continued friendship and one day visiting his village and partaking on his mission.

AIDS is a global problem and there should be a global solution found by the entire international community. It is really scary to see and imagine our world fall into pieces because we refuse to share and put in the common vestiges of our civilizations.
Sarah Polley

Jane’s Best Bets (4/20 – 4/24)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Easter is this coming Sunday, so here’s to an EGGcellent week!

On Wednesday, head to Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Big-Ass Beer and Cab Tasting.  For the record, those are their words, not mine.  Or make your way to Nick’s Restaurant for the Rock and Roll Wine Tasting.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up to network with other young professionals as part of Generation Dayton’s Speed Networking at the Racquet Club.  Interested in photography but don’t know where to start?  Head to the K12 Gallery for Young People’s Camera Class.  By young, I believe they mean for the young and young at heart.  Over at Fifth Third Field, catch the Dragons as they play the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  And finally, get your tickets to see Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre.  Don’t let the name fool you…the show won’t be running permanently.

On Thursday, all you green lovers will want to participate in the Dayton Metro Library’s Earth Day Extravaganza at their East Branch.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, learn how to draw by attending the Third Thursday Drawing Workshop with James Pate…hopefully the event will be a big draw for the museum.  Sing your heart out at with Karaoke Thursdays at Champps Americana or at Karaoke Night at Therapy Café.  And over at the amazing Schuster Center, catch the Zoot Theatre Company’s Phantom Tollbooth at Schuster Performing Arts Center.

On (Good) Friday, all you environmentally conscious people will want to attend the ‘Dump the Pump’ Kickoff at Wright Phantom TollboothStop Plaza Transit Center.  It’s the last day of “no meat” during Lent this year, so bring your significant other to The Melting Pot for their Couples Seafood Fondue Dinner.  And if you don’t have a significant other, you can just have lots of leftovers!  I’m sure that the Beatles would want you to catch the Dayton Theatre Guild’s performance of Blackbird.  If you don’t care about what the Beatles would like, other performances for Friday include Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre and Zoot Theatre Company’s ‘Phantom Tollbooth’ at the Schuster Center.

On Saturday, learn about Wines for Easter at Jungle Jim’s.  Make your way to church a day earlier (Southminster Presbyterian Church) for Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock, An All-New Multimedia Experience.  The New York Times described it as “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss.”  Art lovers should make plans to attend the Dayton Art Institute’s Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art.  In theater news, you will be able to catch Blackbird at Dayton Theatre Guild or Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre.  Listen to the music of three legendary songwriters at Victoria Theatre in the performance, Soundtrack of Your Life – featuring Jimmy Webb, Barry Mann & Paul Williams.  Support the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with Dayton Acoustic (A Benefit Show) at Blind Bob’s Tavern.  While you’re down in the Oregon District, you can also head to Oregon Express to catch the music of Uncle Rico.

On Easter Sunday, after church and after hunting for Easter eggs, it’s all about eating good food.  There are numerous places offering Easter brunch, including The Caroline, The Winds Café and Bakery, the Hilton Garden Inn, C’est Tout, McCormick & Schmicks, The Hawthorn Grill, Yankee Trace Golf Club, Fleming’s, and Barleycorn’s.  In addition, L’Auberge is offering a 3 Course Easter Sunday Supper.  I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your family!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the Easter egg hide?  He was a little chicken.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have an eggcellent week Dayton!

Come “Home Tour” my Neighborhood – Historic South Park

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South Park - Where people live on front porches, not behind privacy fences...

(the following is by Jill Davis of Historic South Park)

If I told you I lived in a friendly, comfortable, mid-sized midwestern city situated on the sunny banks of three rivers, with a full complement of arts organizations—orchestra and opera, art institute, ballet and contemporary dance, Broadway tours and local theater. And if I added to that nineteen metroparks, a children’s museum, a class A minor league baseball team and miles of beautiful bike trails. Plus a growing array of unique restaurants, coffee houses and music bars to explore, art galleries to haunt and clubs to revel in—I think you’d be eager to come visit and let me show you around Dayton and my neighborhood, South Park.

In fact, my out-of-town friends love to come visit because of Dayton’s unassuming quirkiness and uncompetitive sophistication. Today’s corporate cool-hunters who relentlessly follow trends will tell you that the qualities that constitute true “cool” these days have to do with not trying too hard.

In the past, it’s only when I’ve tried to convince area natives of the big and small pleasures of Dayton’s emerging “new urbanism” that I’m confronted with doubt. Recently, I’ve seen that changing. There’s been an influx of young people, open to the experience of living in denser urban areas, walkable, bikable places that need to be explored. Places of involvement and confrontation, diversity and surprise.

As a lover of city life, especially after having lived in New York for a decade, I’m happy to find that younger people especially are seeking something less predictable outside of mass culture, but without the expense associated with a major metropolis. It’s no secret that Dayton is a patchwork of areas of disinvestment interspersed with gentrified neighborhoods and business districts, so the transitions in between appear a little rough. But those of us who consider a little grit to be part of the authentic urban experience take it in stride.

My husband and I moved to Historic South Park because we prefer older homes, and a friend told us about the neighborhood’s brilliant location (just minutes from everything) and its many social activities. He said candidly, “It’s not for everybody.” But if you’re comfortable in an economically mixed group, and don’t need the orderliness and control of the suburbs, you’ll find what so many people are searching for these days, a sense of community. It’s the friendliest place we’ve ever lived.

On Saturday, April 30th, the public not only has a chance to enjoy South Park’s unique architecture and history, but is invited to use digital technology to further enrich their experience of this wonderful 1880s-era neighborhood. Historic South Park’s 2011 Spring Home Tour, Saturday, April 30, 1-6pm, includes a ScanDayton ScanVenger Hunt™ with a chance to win an Apple iPad2! (Everyone who buys a ticket can enter their name in our raffle.) Thanks to Sean and Shawntay at Comtactics, one of the exciting entrepreneurial businesses officed in Tech Town, visitors will use their smartphones to find out more about our award-winning neighborhood and why we so enjoy living here. Cost is $10 in advance at www.historicsouthpark.org and $15 the day of the tour at Brown Oak Studio, 860 Brown Street.  Free to Realtors who present a business card. Advance-purchase tickets can also be reserved in person at Brown Oak Studio, 860 Brown Street, 10am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday; call 226-1196. Admission price includes the chance to enter the raffle. Plan to spend two hours enjoying the sights. For tour information call (937) 225-3801. Historic South Park thanks our title sponsor, Liberty Savings Bank, for making the tour possible.

Imagination and Collaboration

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The Phantom Tollbooth

THE ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY
AND
TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

Theatre at its very essence is collaboration: designers and directors; directors, production team, and actors; artistic and front of house staff; and numerous other people all work together to create art. However, we don’t have to limit collaboration to simply what can be done within a single theatre. Rather, collaborating between theatre groups, working together to put on a show or teach classes or read plays, can greatly expand both audiences and participants.

This weekend, the Zoot Theatre Company and Town Hall Theatre are doing just that in their production of The Phantom Tollbooth. In the story based on Norton Juster’s 1961 classic, young Milo is bored with everything from his toy collection to his life, so extremely that the Demons of Ignorance eagerly wait for him to succumb and urge him not to do anything at all (for that would be dangerous). However, with the arrival of an anonymous package and his entry into the fantastical Phantom Tollbooth, he discovers a new world and embarks on a remarkable journey to save the Kingdom of Wisdom. A funny and entertaining show for all ages, The Phantom Tollbooth is filled with puns and plot elements, such as Milo’s sudden Jump to (the Island of) Conclusions, that are the consequences of interpreting idioms literally.

Because of the combination of familial and fantastical elements, this show perfectly showcases the expertise of both the Dayton-based Zoot Theatre Company, which focuses on puppet work, and Centerville’s Town Hall Theatre, a professional and quality-driven children’s theatre. ZTC and THT have collaborated equally on a production annually for the past four years; they usually share artistic responsibilities, and selected this show together. This piece is different in that due to the nature and schedule of this piece, ZTC directed and artistically formed The Phantom Tollbooth, while THT handled all the front of house, publicity, and related areas. However, several students and Town Hall regular actors play the childrens’ roles, including the lead of Milo, making this production a successful model of collaboration between two groups, and providing both patron bases with opportunities beyond what either theatre could do alone.

Working together benefits both theatres. Mark Metzger, Artistic Director at Town Hall Theatre, remarked,

“I look for opportunities for our young people to be challenged, and to operate a puppet and receive feedback from professional puppeteers is an opportunity they won’t get anywhere else.”

Working on a production where the puppets take center stage, and other production elements (set, lighting, costumes) support the puppetry, is a great learning experience for student participants and audience members. This is especially beneficial given the prevalence of shows on Broadway – such as The Lion King, Avenue Q, Shrek, and WarHorse – that incorporate similar techniques.

Even if puppet-based shows were not experiencing such popularity, though, because plays are meant to be seen, not just heard, the addition of such a predominant visual element teaches skills applicable to all theatre, and collaborations such as this benefit both organizations. Metzger commented on Zoot’s talent and ability to produce quality theatre, so he had no reservations whatsoever about doing a project where THT’s own artistic involvement was minimized, knowing that the show would be excellent for both theatres.

As a traveling-based rather than single-venue theatre, Zoot finds collaboration extremely important. Working with Town Hall allows them the chance to perform in another space and with a different patron base; they also do a lot of work within schools and help area theaters with puppet-based work when needed, and even within specific shows, place a high emphasis on collaboration.  For example, in describing the process through which the theatre designs and creates puppets, Zoot’s Artistic Director Tristan Cupp explained that various artistic staff design, sometimes originating with group discussions and sometimes with a focal designer’s vision, all the while working with the director to make puppets that align with the characters’ and show’s needs. These different processes, and Zoot’s production skills, are very collaborative. Cupp said,

“What’s wonderful is each one of these artists has strengths in different mediums and different styles, which really lends to the variety of puppets and looks and different ideas… You can expand your creative horizons that way, by learning from each other and learning to use different materials and different styles; that’s what’s needed, and it’s really appealing to a lot of artists who want to help us out and be a part of it.”

Part of that collaboration involves the input of visual artists not involved in theatre, which adds diversity and a variety of skills to the art.

Fittingly, then, Zoot has just announced a residency with the Victoria Theatre Association, and their Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center.  In the previous couple of years, Zoot has presented two shows independently at the Mathile, but this residency will provide both groups an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Zoot’s productions fit into two categories, Mainstage and Zoot Tales (child or family oriented), and the residency will introduce more people within those areas to a type of theatre relatively new to Dayton. Now, Zoot will choose a season of three shows to present, and the VTA will provide venue and/or assistance with touring; the Victoria will be able to offer educational initiatives in puppetry through ZTC, which fits nicely with programs such as their Physicians for Kids Discovery Series.

“Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language.”

As such a collaborative organization, Zoot is looking ahead to continuing their work with schools and various theatres, and both Town Hall Theatre and the Zoot Theatre Company hope to continue their collaborations together. Cupp noted, “Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language,” and the idea of working together on something so universally applicable is beautiful. Collaboration, too, is universal, for we all have a certain connection as imaginative human beings capable of working together because of that humanity. Reflecting this, The Phantom Tollbooth provides an experience and combination unlike anything else in Dayton right now, where audience members truly can experience imagination come to life.

~KN

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Dates: April 15 – 17, 2011, at Town Hall Theatre; April 21 – 30, 2011, at the Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre

Tickets: Town Hall Theatre or Ticket Center Stage (choose appropriate site for venue)

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Phantom Tollbooth, Town Hall Theatre, Zoot Theatre Company

30 Days Positive – A Love Story

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Follow the Journey

Have you ever considered that many contract the HIV virus on accident, through no fault of their own? It is something I personally never really thought about until recently, that there are people out there who are responsible and take precautions but still can be exposed and infected. Both tragic and somewhat scary to think about, I sat down this week with a person who had that very thing happen.

Due to the confidential nature of this person’s story I have left a lot of the personal details out to protect their anonymity.

A Life Well Planned Out

We all have plans for our lives and what we want to accomplish both professionally and personally is something we often think about far in advance of  those “life happenings” that set us off our track. Seldom do we think about the “what-ifs” and often we are not prepared.   For the purpose of telling this story I will refer to him as John.

John always knew that he wanted to serve his country and that the military was where he saw himself having the most impact on the world he lived in.  At a very young age he believed that joining the service was his purpose and giving back was something he had passion for.  For years he did just that.  As many soldiers do, come time for reenlistment, John’s passion to serve remained and without pause made the decision to continue after his duty had been complete.  In the process, it was discovered that all of John’s medical records had been lost and that in order to reenlist he would have to go through all of the standard testing he did when he first joined.  John believes that was a sign.  Life was about to change.

A call was placed to John shortly after his results had come in and he was notified by administration that he would have to come in for further evaluation.  Frightened and confused he agreed and after further evaluation he was informed that he was HIV Positive.

Positive

John had been married and committed to both his wife and family throughout his service.  He knew that there was nothing he had done to compromise them or his own health.  While in service and overseas, John had emergency dental work performed under what he described as unsanitary and not of standard procedural conditions.  It was the one and only time that he  could think of  that he was at risk, and that one time was enough in the 90’s.  John was diagnosed in 1999. No longer able to serve his country in the way he had desired his entire life and faced with the fear of losing everything he’d worked for, John was lost.  

Though his marriage survived for quite some time it eventually came to an end because of other reasons which he explained.  He maintains that his wife was supportive but the relationship was no longer working and they both decided to move on.  Alone for the first time, John faced the fear that it would be impossible to find love again, to find someone who would understand and support him. I myself wondered that very thing as we was talking.  Emotional wreck that I am, I’ve often wondered who would love me with all of my tattoos and baggage but this just made my worries seem so ridiculous.

A New Life

Though he struggled with not being able to return to active duty, John remained positive that life did exist post diagnosis.  He persisted and held on to his passion and ultimately found another way to do what he loved doing and be part of something bigger than himself and has been successful in doing so.  “Treatment and living with the virus has changed substantially over the decade”, he explained. Once a 12 pill a day regimen to now just 1, John explained that it wasn’t something he even thought about much anymore. With great energy he exclaimed that, “he was the healthiest and happiest that he had ever been in life.”  Sitting next to him during the interview, was his quiet and bashful now wife, a woman who I found to be both admirable and genuine.  Throughout the interview they were holding hands and smiling at one another and all I kept thinking was if I am ever to be in successful relationship this is probably what it’s supposed to be like.

Though John struggled for a long time thinking that he would never find love again, through initially a strong  friendship he was able to find the person who if you sat across from you’d come to the same conclusion as I did;  these two were meant to find one another. Their story about when John broke the news to his now wife about being HIV Positive oddly enough, brought laughter to both as they discussed the evening it took place. John remembered being more nervous than at any point in his life and let’s call her Jane, was laughing when she described her response as less than concerned and relieved that it wasn’t “something major”.  Is this a sign that true love sees past black and white or that society as a whole has become more comfortable and truly understands the disease?  The optimist in me would like to believe both.

AIDS in 2011

33.4 million are currently living with HIV/AIDS globally, more than one million people are living with HIV in the U.S. One in five living with HIV is unaware of their infection and though a small percentage has been through accidental infection the fact remains that those cases do exist.

Graph of Men/Women living with AIDS in the USA

“It is what it is. I don’t think about it really anymore..in fact, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been .. even before being diagnosed. I don’t let the fact that I am HIV positive rule my life..I’m successful and happy.” In closing, John offered me one thought which I pondered for hours after the interview. That things in life will happen, things which no matter how hard we try we will never be prepared for but with conviction and hope, life will continue as it was meant to be. Part of this series was to bring to light that there is world around us with people who are facing real problems and often we get caught up in things that really don’t matter. Remember that today is today and tomorrow brings opportunity for new.  Help those in need and live a meaningful life respecting and appreciating what you’ve been given because out there is someone who has less. Just something to think about.

Meeting John and his wife has evolved my thinking of this disease  as well as how I view my own life.

Hey Dayton- Show Us Your Peeps!

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Boxed in sets of five, Peeps are marshmallow candies,  created by a Russian immigrant and hatched each Easter season at a factory in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Over the years peeps have become diverse, first expanding from the original yellow chick to an array of pastels.  Next came bunnies and then in a recent campaign the candy has been touted as “Peeps – Always in Season” and they’ve started making them in other shapes, like ghosts at Halloween.  They are made from marshmallow, corn syrup, gelatin, and carnauba wax.

People are obsessed by peeps. There’s even a documentary about “The Power of the Peep” that premiered in 2009 and took home an award at the NYC Food Film Fest.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAUUL-Ypdu8′]

There are Peep eating contests,  Peep Throwing contests and over 30,000 You Tube video’s featuring peeps- many of which concentrate on destroying Peeps.  Peeps are sometimes jokingly described as “indestructible”. In 1999, scientists at Emory University performed experiments on batches of Peeps to see how easily they could be dissolved, burned or otherwise disintegrated, using such agents as cigarette smoke, boiling water and liquid nitrogem.  They claimed that the eyes of the confectionery “wouldn’t dissolve in anything.” Furthermore, Peeps are insoluble in acetone, water, diluted sufuric acid and sodium hydroxcide, according to Wikipedia.

Peep shows have popped up around the country.  No, not that kind of peep-get your mind out of the gutter.  Peep art shows.  Photo contests, peeps in doranma’s, themed events like peep-powered works of art. Peeps have been made into prom dresses, jewelry and even dipped in chocolate, for the newest Peep treat.

Well now DaytonDining is getting into the peep show business.

Post an original peep work of art on our DaytonDining Facebook page by Sunday, April 24th and we’ll award our favorite peep art a $100 gift certificate to Fleming’s Prime Steak House & Wine Bar.  We’ll notify and post the winner on Monday, April 25th.

Here are a few peep shots for inspiration!  Can’t wait to see your peeps!